Seven vie for title of Queen of the Alloway Halloween Parade

ALLOWAY TWP. — Seven girls will be competing for the title of Queen of the Alloway Halloween Parade.

The 45th Alloway Halloween Parade is Saturday at 7 p.m. The winner will be announced after the parade. The rain date is Sunday at 6 p.m.

The contestants are:

• Astasia Kay Williams-Bertles, 17, is the daughter of Adam and Arena Williams. Sponsored by Alloway Ambulance, Astasia is a senior at Woodstown High School. Astasia’s current academic courses include Physics, Pre-Calc, Stats, AP Gov., FCS and AP English. She is currently a high school soccer captain, Atlantic United Academy captain, and a member of SADD, FBLA and the National Honor Society. She is also involved with the Woodstown Rec. Soccer, volunteers for Hollydell, Woodstown clean up and the Woodstown Fall Festival. Astasia enjoys creating awareness of the dangers of texting and driving, making her family and hometown proud, painting, drawing and photography. Her future plans are to attend a college, major in pre-law and play soccer. In five years, she would like to be in law school.

• Mikele VanMeter, 17, is the daughter of Lisa Sickler and Doug VanMeter. Sponsored by the Alloway Township Veterans Association, Mikele attends both Woodstown High School and Salem County Vocational Technical School where she studies welding. Mikele participates in softball, basketball, FFA and works at Acme. She enjoys hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers and hanging out with friends and family. Mikele plans on becoming a welder and showing that if you work hard, you can reach your goal.

• Autumn Shehan, 14, is the daughter of Cynthia Shehan. Sponsored by the Alloway Fire Department, Autumn is a freshman at Woodstown High School. Autumn’s current academic courses include English, Biology, Algebra I, PE, the World, Computer Apps and Woodshop. Autumn enjoys hunting, fishing, mudding, drawing, being with her friends, truck driving, and four wheeling. Autumn plans on completing high school and going to a vocational school or community college for welding, as well as drawing on the side.

• Paige Schultz, 17, is the daughter of John and Peggy Schultz. Sponsored by Michelle and Kevin Drummond, Paige is a senior at Woodstown High School. Paige’s current academic courses include Calculus, Gym, Vet Tech, Childcare Development, and English IV. She is involved with FEA, 4H, working art Alloway SACC, varsity tennis and FFA. Paige is also involved with Meals on Wheels, Day in the Sun and the walk for diabetes. Paige plans on attending college to become a nurse because she would know that she is saving lives of people in the community.

• Tara Lynn Handte, 18, is the daughter of Mike and Kaiti Handte. Sponsored by Helen’s Cafe, Tara is a recent graduate of Woodstown High School who is taking a break from schooling to figure out what she would like to do with her life. Tara is the nanny to a family with two children and works at Tina Marie’s in Hancock’s Bridge. Tara is involved with the Alloway Halloween Parade Committee and the Alloway United Methodist Church. Tara enjoys helping people, taking care of children, going to the gym and writing. Tara plans on helping people in ways they need and starting an organization to help the homeless. Being a foster mom is Tara’s top priority because she feels everyone needs somebody.

• Kayla Draggoo, 15, is the daughter of Amy and Michael Draggoo. Sponsored by Alloway Scoops and Slices, Kayla is a sophomore at Cumberland Regional High School. Her current academic courses include honors programs. Kayla is involved with cheerleading, Winter/Spring track, Key Club, Leo Club, SADD and the Political Science Club. Kayla enjoys dance, traveling and reading. Kayla future plans are to attend a four year college and continue her education to become a prosecutor, while staying involved in the community.

• Alison DiCecco, 14, is the daughter of Coleen Doyle. Sponsored by RCL Enterprises, Alison is a freshman at Woodstown High School. Her current academic courses include academic studies. Alison is involved with Big Brother and Big Sister program, softball, Photography Club, Environmental Club, TIGS, trash clean ups, the coin drop for the parade, and peer tutoring. Alison enjoys softball and photography. Alison’s future plans are to continue her involvement in community service programs and attend a four year college.